Morning Song : literary devices

“Morning Song” by Sylvia Plath (1932 – 1963) is a complicated and richly layered poem with various literary devices. Here are some key literary devices used in the poem:

Literary Devices

Imagery

The poem is filled with vivid imagery that describes the birth of a child. For example, the “fat, gold watch” is an image that conveys the idea of the child as a precious and valuable creation.

Metaphor

The poem uses metaphors to compare the newborn baby to different objects or concepts. For instance, the baby is compared to a “new statue” and a “valuable postage stamp.” These metaphors emphasize the sense of newness and preciousness.

Simile

There are similes in the poem that compare the baby’s cry to “A handful of notes” and “like a bird.” These similes create a vivid image of the baby’s cry and its musical quality.

Alliteration

Alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, is used in phrases like “Mornings at seven” and “Cow-heavy.”

Assonance

Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds within words, is present in lines like “Your clear eye is the one absolutely beautiful thing.”

Personification

The poem personifies the baby as “Your handful of notes,” giving human qualities to the child’s cry.

Symbols

The Baby

The newborn baby represents new life and the beginning of a journey into motherhood. The baby’s cries and movements are a source of both wonder and anxiety for the mother.

Morning

The poem’s title, “Morning Song,” symbolizes the start of a new day and the beginning of a new phase in the mother’s life. It also suggests a sense of renewal and hope.

The Mother’s Voice

The mother’s voice in the poem represents her connection with the baby. It is a symbol of her role as a guardian and protector. The changing tone of her voice reflects her evolving emotions and responsibilities as a mother.

The Room

The room in which the baby is placed is described as “white” and “sterile.” This symbolizes the clean slate of new life and the sense of emptiness that the mother may feel as she guides the early stages of motherhood.

The Balloons

The balloons’ “red with elephantine eyes” image symbolises the baby’s innocence and vulnerability. The balloons also carry a sense of celebration and festivity, contrasting with the poem’s more serious and introspective tone.